News Clips

By: Vincent Atchity
Statement appeared in the Pagosa Sun
Mental Health Colorado President and CEO Vincent Atchity released the following statement:
If you’ve ever doubted that mental health and physical health are closely related, you’re probably not so doubtful anymore.
As we learn about more cases of COVID-19 and all the measures that are being taken all over the world, you may find yourself growing increasingly anxious. Our mental health and physical health are not two separate things.
Some anxiety is normal, especially in times like these. But we need ...

March 30, 2020
By: Jennifer Brown
Community mental health clinics are still open during the pandemic, but therapists are meeting with clients in privacy-protected online sessions.
eby Williamson used to take note of her clients’ body language and the vibe that filled the room when they came to see her for mental health therapy. That’s not happening now, since she meets them via computer.
Williamson, a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Colorado Springs, is one of thousands of mental health professionals in Colorado who have switched to ...

March 30, 2020
Posted By: The Pagosa Daily Post
Author: Vincent Atchity
If you’ve ever doubted that mental health and physical health are closely related, you’re probably not so doubtful anymore.
As we learn about more cases of COVID-19 and all the measures that are being taken all over the world, you may find yourself growing increasingly anxious. Our mental health and physical health are not two separate things.
Some anxiety is normal, especially in times like these. But we need to be careful not to let our anxiety get the better of us. Our anxiety has ...

March 28, 2020
By: Jordan Chavez
Originally appeared on 9News
Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the outbreak and the constant stream of news about the novel coronavirus.
DENVER — Mental health care providers say they're seeing a surge in patients due to fear surrounding COVID-19.
Many are feeling overwhelmed by the outbreak and the constant stream of news about the novel coronavirus. One factor behind their concerns is that no one, not even medical professionals, have an idea when life will return to normal.
9NEWS expert Psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel ...

March 23, 2020
By: Grant Stringer
Originally appeared in the Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | As the pandemic and financial woes create more anxiety in Aurora and across the region, mental health experts say residents can maintain sanity with at-home strategies and resources.
Care providers at the Aurora Mental Health Center, which runs clinics and therapy sessions for Aurora residents, are working overtime with patients through video and phone links, said Chief Medical Officer Anne Garrett-Mills.
“Stress from of all of the sudden life changes, loss of income and ...

March 23, 2020
By: Kevin Simpson
Vincent Atchity found himself in the near-constant company of his family this week as he worked from home in his role as president and CEO of the advocacy group Mental Health Colorado.
At one point, he half-jokes, he had to hide in the basement from his two kids, 7 and 9, to get things done. His wife also works remotely and together they’ve taken on another task, essentially home-schooling the kids during a day that hasn’t stretched to meet the challenge of school closings.
Welcome to life in the time of the coronavirus ...

March 22, 2020
By: Jessica Gibbs
Originally appeared in the Highlands Ranch Herald
With a global pandemic closing schools, businesses, entire communities and threatening people's livelihoods in addition to their health, it can be difficult to stifle the anxiety, stress and fear coming with the crisis.
“I think the public is very scared and I think that there's a lot of fear and anxiety because there's so much uncertainty,” said Cynthia Grant, chief clinical officer for AllHealth Network, a behavioral health nonprofit offering services throughout the Denver ...

March 19, 2020
By: KUNC's Colorado Edition
With all the news about the spread of the novel coronavirus in our state and around the world, it's hard sometimes not to get a little bit anxious. KUNC's Colorado Edition spoke with Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, about how to maintain mental health during this stressful time.
Erin O'Toole: There is a virus spreading around the world. What level of anxiety is considered healthy or normal at a time like this?
Vincent Atchity: I think that almost any level of anxiety is considered ...

March 29, 2020
By: Joe Vacarelli
Originally appeared in The Sentinel
As health and government officials ask the public not to gather in groups larger than 10 people during the COVID-19 outbreak, several organizations dealing with mental health services have made adjustments, canceling group therapies.
But mental health services are still widely available throughout the Grand Valley and the state of Colorado. Providers also have advice on how to stay psychologically healthy during a stressful period.
Mind Springs Health, which serves multiple counties in ...

March 19, 2020
Originally appeared on 9News
By: Anusha Roy
Doctors and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are encouraging people to use telehealth while they work to slow down the novel coronavirus.
DENVER — Doctors and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are encouraging people to use telehealth when they can to avoid a trip into the doctors office or clinic as they work to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
People seeking care for their mental health had questions about insurance coverage.
...